Investigation Of The Mechanical Properties Of Polymer Blends Reinforced With Various Types Of Natural Powders

<ns3:p> Background This study emphasizes the fabrication of prosthetic arms using cost-effective and sustainable materials, focusing on the development of a novel polymeric nanocomposite reinforced with natural materials. Given the needs of low-income amputees, careful consideration was given to selecting materials that are affordable, lightweight, durable, aesthetically acceptable, and easy to don and remove. The research investigates the effect of natural reinforcements on the mechanical properties of a polymer. Methods Polymer nanocomposites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique with a polymer matrix composed of 25% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and 75% epoxy resin. Natural powders derived from cuttle bone, eggshell, and date seeds were used as reinforcements at weight fractions of 1, 2, and 3 wt.% relative to the total composite weight. Prior to fabrication, the powders were treated with an alkaline solution to enhance interfacial adhesion between the reinforcement and the polymer matrix. The cured specimens were mechanically characterized through flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness tests. Results The results demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical properties compared to the base PMMA/epoxy material. The maximum flexural strength values were 73 MPa for cuttle bone, 71.2 MPa for eggshell, and 29.3 MPa for date seed reinforcements. Impact strength values reached 12.2 kJ/m <ns3:sup>2</ns3:sup> for cuttle bone, 19.48 kJ/m <ns3:sup>2</ns3:sup> for eggshell, and 8.17 kJ/m <ns3:sup>2</ns3:sup> for date seed. Hardness values were 83.6, 83.8, and 71.5 for cuttle bone, eggshell, and date seed composites, respectively. Conclusions The findings indicate that polymer nanocomposites reinforced with cuttle bone and eggshell powders exhibit mechanical properties suitable for prosthetic arm applications. These materials offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for prosthetic manufacturing. </ns3:p>